Fernando Ferrer is one of several candidates running for mayor in NYC and has been running second in the polls. The following is his policy statement on animal issues.Policy StatementJuly 10, 2001FERRER ON ANIMAL RIGHTSI am running to be Mayor of all New York, and I include the pets and animals under our care within that definition - including my own pet Cocker Spaniel, Winston. We are all responsible for the compassionate exercise of our stewardship of animals, in both domestic and natural settings. New Yorkers license over 80,000 dogs a year. There are over a million dogs and their owners in our city and probably twice as many cat owners.My administration will work to address three animal issues that require immediate attention in New York: a) animal population control through spaying and neutering, b) expansion of receiving centers, and c) animal neglect and cruelty. Once elected, I will establish a committee of knowledgeable and experienced animal advocates to make recommendations on policy issues affecting animals, including the reform of the City's animal shelter system.It is indeed unfortunate that tens of thousands of dogs and cats are euthanized each year due to overpopulation. An effective spaying and neutering program is key to reducing animal kill rates. I would like the City to strive for zero kills through better public education and innovative public/private partnerships in the provision of animal care.Since the ASPCA will no longer be responsible for operating the City's animal shelter system, we have an opportunity to reform our Center for Animal Care and Control and provide it with new leadership and vision. The animal control program implemented in San Francisco is of interest and may provide a guide for New York City to follow.Under my administration, full-service, full-time pet receiving centers will be established in each borough. In addition to serving as receiving centers, they will also house low-cost clinics for pets.In view of the increased violence in schools nationwide, and the established link between animal cruelty and human violence, Humane Education should be an important part of the New York City school curriculum.The working conditions of carriage horses in our city deserve our continued attention and support. A thoroughgoing review of the current situation with an eye to improving their working and living conditions may well be in order. Such a review should consider the larger environmental issues and traffic patterns in midtown that constrain navigation for automobiles, humans, and animals alike. In the meantime, we must continually inspect how the carriage horses are cared for to ensure that they are treated humanely. Cruelty and abuse to animals will not be tolerated in my administration.People for Ferrer611 Broadway, Ste. 210New York, NY 10012212-260-5500fax - 212-260-1628www.Ferrer2001.com| |